Regional Network Officer - Wales & South West England

We’re looking for an exceptional Regional Network Officer - Wales & South West England to help us make a difference to our planet. As our Regional Network Officer, the job involves hybrid working, which is where an employee works the majority of the week in our weather station network with some time working from home. The post holder will have Geographic Worker Status. Due to the operational requirements of this role, applicants must reside within the geographical area covered by the position (Wales and South-West England) to be eligible to apply.

Our opportunity is full time, 37 hours per week, but we would also consider applicants wishing to work a minimum of 30 hours per week and we will also try our best to consider those intending to work a job share. Our people are at the heart of what we do and we'll do our best to agree a working pattern that works for everyone. Whilst this is a temporary position for 2 years, there is potential for it to develop into a permanent position.

You will be the focal point within a region, ensuring the quality, timeliness, and availability of observations from surface-based observations networks. As a Regional Network Officer (RNO), you will be responsible for overseeing land observation site performance, installing meteorological instruments, responding to incidents, and the inspection and maintenance of observing equipment to maintain the highest standards of observation quality, timeliness, and availability. You will be the first point of contact for voluntary observers and site authorities within your area of responsibility.

RNOs travel extensively, and the job holder is expected to become an authority on land surface meteorological instruments and methods of observation. The roles require the ability to physically transport and install equipment at our weather stations, occasionally being required to trek over rough terrain, sometimes in challenging or poor weather. Overnight stays will be required, with up to 4 nights away from home per week. These roles involve travel by air and sea to remote islands.

Inspect and assess the suitability of observing sites against documented standards, install or repair equipment and advise on the deployment of instruments to ensure that observing standards are met. Instruct, encourage, and provide feedback to voluntary observers on how to undertake the observing task to improve the quality and quantity of observations they produce. Ensure quality, timeliness, and availability of observations from observing sites meet requirements by monitoring performance, ensuring instrument calibration and accuracy, seeking new sites, and recommending sites for withdrawal or automation. Collect, manage, and archive site metadata in accordance with international requirements. Plan site visits in an efficient manner and manage and maintain sufficient local stocks of calibrated instruments, observing equipment and literature required. Work with colleagues in the Surface Observations Operations team and RNOs in neighbouring regions to ensure a network-wide quality management approach to the Met Office Surface observing networks. Occasionally visit land observation sites at short notice to support the verification of national weather and climate records.

The Met Office is Great Place to Work UK certified. We are also featured on their ‘Best Workplaces in Tech’ 2023, 2024 and 2025 lists, as well as their ’54 Best Workplaces for Women’ 2023 list. As our Regional Network Officer, your total reward package will be up to £49,448 annually, which includes:

• An outstanding Civil Service pension, with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
• Annual Leave starting at 27.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) rising to 32.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) after 5 years and option to buy or sell up to 5 days per year of annual leave

Essential Criteria, skills and experience:

• A broad knowledge of land observing systems, and an understanding of the principles behind the operation of manual and automatic instrumentation in the differing environments.
• A proven ability to work unsupervised, in an organised and timely manner, to deal with multiple tasks and prioritise a busy schedule.
• A flexible approach to work, with a willingness to work outside normal office hours, and to undertake visits to observing locations involving overnight stays when required.
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to influence, negotiate, and develop sound working relationships with external customers and team members.
• A proven ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely in a range of formats, and to a range of audiences with varying levels of technical understanding.
• Ability to physically transport and install equipment at weather stations, occasionally being required to trek over rough terrain, sometimes in challenging or poor weather.

The panel may perform a preliminary sift of the lead criteria as indicated above. Closing date 06/10/2026 at 23:59 with first stage interviews commencing from 26/10/2026. You will hear from us once the closing date has passed.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact us at careers@metoffice.gov.uk. If you’re considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch. You can request adjustments either within your application or by contacting us. Should you be offered an interview, please be aware there may be a selection exercise which could include a presentation, written test or a scenario-based activity. You can select in your application to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme. To be invited to interview/assessment under this scheme, your application must meet the essential criteria for the role.

We understand that great minds don’t always think alike and as an equal opportunities employer we welcome applications from those with all protected characteristics. We recruit on merit, fairness, and open competition in line with the Civil Service Code. We can only accept applications from those eligible to live and work in the UK - please refer to GOV.UK for information. We require Security clearance, for which you need to have resided in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years to be eligible, 2 of these years must be immediately preceding the point of your application.